EpiPen Adrenaline (Epinephrine) 300 µg/0.3 ml Auto-Injector CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION What is in this leaflet? This leaflet answers some common questions about EpiPen Adrenaline (epinephrine) Auto-Injector. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor or pharmacist has weighed the risks of you receiving EpiPen against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you. If you have any concerns about receiving this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before there is a situation where EpiPen is needed. Please read this leaflet carefully before an emergency arises. Keep this leaflet safely, with the EpiPen Auto-Injector. You will probably want to read it again. What EpiPen is used for EpiPen is only to be used for the immediate EMERGENCY TREATMENT of a SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION (also known as ANAPHYLAXIS). Your doctor or pharmacist will explain what this is like, so that you know when you must use EpiPen. EpiPen is used to treat people who have a severe allergic reaction caused by, for example, hypersensitivity to food medicines stinging insects insect bites latex or other allergens, possibly unidentified. See Side effects for information regarding allergy to sodium metabisulfite. Avoidance of known allergens is most important in preventing severe allergic reactions. A severe allergic reaction, otherwise known as anaphylaxis, is overwhelming and life-threatening. It affects the whole body, in particular the heart and blood circulation. This may cause, for example, low blood pressure and collapse, or abnormal heart beat or function. air passages and lungs. This causes difficulty in breathing, with noisy wheezing or gasping, possibly with sneezing and a very runny nose. stomach and bowels. This may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, often severe. skin (very common). This causes flushing, itching, skin rash, hives or swelling, which may be widespread or in one part of the body. brain. There may be fits or confusion due to lack of oxygen. Usually several parts of the body are affected. The patient feels extremely unwell. It is important to act quickly to treat a severe allergic reaction. The adrenaline (epinephrine) in EpiPen treats allergic emergencies. It shrinks abnormally wide blood vessels and makes the heart beat strongly. This helps improve the very low blood pressure and poor circulation that occur in a severe allergic reaction. Adrenaline (epinephrine) also relaxes the lungs. This eases breathing and lessens wheezing. helps stop - swelling, for example, of the face and lips - skin rash and/or - itching. The EpiPen Auto-Injector is intended for use in people who have been assessed and advised by their doctor as needing an EpiPen Auto- Injector to treat their severe allergic reaction and who weigh more than 30 kg, and are having a severe allergic reaction. EpiPen 1
Note: Selection of the appropriate dosage is determined according to patient body weight. For a person who weighs from 15kg up to 30kg, the doctor may assess their severe allergic reaction as needing the larger dosage of adrenaline (epinephrine) as provided by an EpiPen Auto- Injector. (The EpiPen Jr. Auto- Injector delivers a smaller amount of adrenaline (epinephrine)). If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor. EpiPen provides convenient first-aid may be self-administered or administered by a carer has a spring-activated, hidden needle automatically injects one premeasured dose of adrenaline (epinephrine) is for single use only. EpiPen may be prescribed by your doctor. You can also purchase it directly from a pharmacy. Before you use EpiPen The EpiPen Auto-Injector is simple to use. Please read and follow the step-by-step instructions. Do not remove the blue safety release until you need to use EpiPen and are ready to use it. The safety release stops EpiPen from firing or working. There is no visible needle. This helps overcome fear of injection. The hidden needle is very fine so that the injection does not usually hurt. When you must not use it EpiPen is a life-saving treatment in the emergency management of severe allergic reactions. Therefore, it should not be withheld from anyone who is considered to need it. The EpiPen Auto-Injector has a clear viewing window so you can see the contents. Do not use EpiPen if the contents are cloudy or are coloured or contain sediment or if the viewing window is obscured. These changes indicate that the effectiveness of the drug product may be decreased. When the viewing window is obscured, the auto-injector has already fired and cannot be used again. Check your EpiPen regularly (see Things you must do). Do not use EpiPen after the expiry date on the EpiPen Auto-Injector and carton or if the packaging is torn, doesn t look quite right or shows signs of tampering. If the EpiPen packaging is damaged or it is past the expiry date, return it to your pharmacist for disposal. Help in using EpiPen It is important to know how to use an EpiPen BEFORE a severe allergic reaction causes a medical emergency. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how you can get an EpiPen Training Device for practice. An EpiPen Training Device is similar to the real EpiPen. However, the EpiPen Training Device has NO medicine (adrenaline, epinephrine) and NO needle and fires quietly and less forcefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to practice with the EpiPen Training Device. If you practice using the EpiPen Training Device, it will help you to learn how to use the real EpiPen. It is important to regularly ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate use with an EpiPen Training Device. EpiPen is effective as emergency treatment of a severe allergic reaction ONLY when used according to the directions in this leaflet. Give WITH CAUTION to those who have high blood pressure thyroid problems high pressure in the eye (narrow-angle glaucoma). Take care also when giving EpiPen to those having an anaesthetic or who have: diabetes heart disease allergy to EpiPen brain damage. You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have: depression, or are on medication for depression thyroid problems, or are on thyroid medication heart disease or high blood pressure diabetes EpiPen 2
high pressure in the eye (narrow angle glaucoma) asthma are pregnant or planning to become pregnant ever had an allergic reaction to sodium metabisulfite. Taking other medicines Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicines, including any medicines that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. Some medicines may interfere with EpiPen including: medicines for high blood pressure, especially those known as beta-blockers, and other medicines for heart problems medicines for depression, especially tricyclic antidepressants thyroid hormone medicines for diabetes antihistamines. These medicines may affect how well the adrenaline (epinephrine) in EpiPen works. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines. You should discuss any concerns you have with your doctor or How to use EpiPen It is important to know how to use your EpiPen in an emergency (see Help in using EpiPen ). Follow carefully all directions given to you by your doctor or They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet. If you do not understand the instructions in this leaflet or on the EpiPen Auto-Injector, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help. When to use it Use EpiPen immediately if you have signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, as described by your doctor or Symptoms do vary. However, the symptoms are likely to include: collapse difficulty in breathing wheezing swelling, especially of the face, lips, tongue or throat flushing of the face irregular or faint pulse vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps skin rash, hives itching. How much to use EpiPen Auto-Injector delivers one measured dose of adrenaline (epinephrine). This dose is intended for a person who weighs more than 30 kg and has been assessed by their doctor as needing EpiPen. Your doctor may also advise Epipen Auto-Injector for a child who weighs from 15kg up to 30kg. NOTE: Unless otherwise advised by the doctor, EpiPen Jr. Auto- Injector should be used for children who weigh from 15 kg up to 30 kg. See also What EpiPen is used for above. How to use it General Grip only the mid-section of the EpiPen Auto-Injector. Avoid touching either end, except when you remove the blue safety release. The blue safety release stops the EpiPen from firing or working. Never place thumb, fingers or hand over the orange end as this contains the needle. Always point the orange end (which holds the needle) away from any part of any body, except the planned injection site. This is usually the thigh of the person who has the severe allergic reaction. Keep EpiPen away from the face and eyes. Carefully follow the step-by-step directions to make the EpiPen work properly. Step 1 Flip open the yellow cap on the protective carry tube. Carefully tip and slide the EpiPen Auto-Injector out of the carry tube. Never place thumb, fingers or hand over the orange end as this contains the needle. Check the contents of the EpiPen Auto-Injector through the viewing window. Make sure the solution is clear, colourless and sediment-free. If the viewing window is obscured, the EpiPen has already fired and cannot be used again. Step 2 Make a fist around the EpiPen Auto-Injector, with your thumb nearest to the blue safety release (see FIGURE 1). EpiPen 3
pressing the EpiPen Auto- Injector firmly against the thigh for approximately 10 seconds (see FIGURE 3). or worked. If the viewing window is not obscured, repeat steps 2-6 above. Step 7 FIGURE 1 Step 3 Activate the EpiPen Auto- Injector by removing the blue safety release with your other hand (also shown in FIGURE 1). This triggers the EpiPen. It is now ready to fire the needle and inject the medicine through the needle into the thigh muscle. After you remove the blue safety release do not touch or place thumb, fingers or hand over the orange end as this contains the needle. Step 4 Hold the EpiPen Auto-Injector at a 90 angle (right angle) to the outer part of the thigh. Hold the orange end about 5cm away from the thigh (see FIGURE 2). FIGURE 3 NOTE: EpiPen may be used either through clothing, as shown in FIGURE 3, or directly on to skin. When you press the orange end of the EpiPen Auto-Injector firmly against the thigh, the hidden needle fires. It injects the measured dose of adrenaline (epinephrine) into the thigh muscle. Step 6 Carefully take the EpiPen Auto- Injector away from the thigh. The orange needle cover will extend to cover the needle (see FIGURE 4). Record the time EpiPen was given. Step 8 Seek further medical attention for yourself immediately. Although you have received adrenaline (epinephrine) from EpiPen, you may need more medical treatment. Either Contact your doctor or Call an ambulance (telephone 000 in Australia or 111 in New Zealand). State that adrenaline (epinephrine) treatment may be needed. NOTE: EpiPen is only for immediate emergency treatment of a severe allergic reaction. Further treatment is usually needed. Step 9 Explain to the doctor that you have had EpiPen (intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)). Take your used EpiPen Auto- Injector with you. To avoid injury, follow the used EpiPen disposal instructions below (see Disposal). FIGURE 2 Step 5 Push the orange end FIRMLY into the outer mid-thigh until a click is heard or felt. Keep FIGURE 4 Gently rub the thigh in the area of the injection for about 10 seconds. Check the viewing window - it should now be obscured. If it isn t, the EpiPen has not fired Additional information about treatment of insect sting allergy Use EpiPen immediately if you have been stung or bitten by the insect and experience the signs and symptoms as described by your doctor or If the insect s sting is easily accessible, remove the sting with your fingernails. Do not squeeze, pinch or push the sting deeper into the skin. If available, ice packs or EpiPen 4
sodium bicarbonate soaks may then be applied to the stung area. Keep warm, calm, and as still as possible. If you use too much (overdose) Because each EpiPen contains only one dose, overdosage is unlikely. Overdosage may lead to a rise in blood pressure. This may cause bleeding in the brain or fluid in the lung. If you think you or anyone else may have used too much of this medicine, consult your doctor immediately or telephone the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) in New Zealand) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Urgent medical attention may be required. Things to note about EpiPen Things you must do Check what the expiry date is on your EpiPen. Mark this expiry date on your calendar or diary. Replace your EpiPen prior to this expiry date. Also note on your calendar or diary to check the contents of your EpiPen each month. Do this through the viewing window. Make sure the solution is clear, colourless and sediment-free. If not, obtain a new EpiPen immediately. If the viewing window is obscured this means the EpiPen has already fired or worked. It cannot be used again. Return it to your doctor or pharmacist for disposal. Obtain a new EpiPen immediately. The EpiPen Auto-Injector can be damaged and made unusable if it is mishandled. EpiPen is NOT a toy. Keep it out of reach of children. Things you must not do Do not use EpiPen to treat any other medical conditions including other types of shock unless your doctor tells you to. if the solution is brown or contains any particles or cloudiness. in a child who weighs 15 kg to 30 kg unless advised by your doctor. EpiPen Jr. is generally recommended for children who weigh 15 kg to 30kg. (See also What EpiPen is used for above). in a child who weighs less than 15 kg. Talk to your doctor if this is the case so that a careful assessment can be made and the appropriate dose selected based on the child s weight and the life-threatening nature of the reaction(s) for which EpiPen is being prescribed. Do not take off the blue safety release until you need to use EpiPen and are ready to use it. Remember that the EpiPen Auto- Injector is activated ( triggered, ready to fire ) as soon as you take off the blue safety release. Do not touch the orange end on any person or object while you are taking off the blue safety release and/or after you have taken off the blue safety release. The orange end holds the hidden needle, ready to fire and inject the adrenaline (epinephrine). After you take off the blue safety release Do not click on either end of the EpiPen Auto-Injector. The EpiPen Auto-Injector does not work like a retractable ball-point pen (see How to use it step 3). Do not bump the EpiPen Auto-Injector until you intentionally push the orange end firmly into the thigh (see How to use it step 4). This will help prevent accidental activation of the EpiPen Auto-Injector prior to use. Do not inject into hands, feet, ears, nose, buttocks, genital area or into a blood vessel. If this does happen accidentally you must immediately seek medical attention. Side effects Like all medicines, EpiPen can cause some side effects. Side effects not listed in this leaflet may occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any unpleasant side effects after using EpiPen, even if you do not think the effect is connected with the medicine or is listed in this leaflet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have. EpiPen 5
Do not be alarmed by the following list of side effects. You may not experience any of them. Adrenaline (epinephrine) Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following: fast or noticeable heart beat difficulty breathing shortness of breath dizziness pale skin colour weakness tremor headache throbbing sweating nausea or vomiting sleeplessness coldness hallucinations restlessness anxiety fear flushing or redness of face and skin. These side effects are minor and short lasting. Accidental injection into the hands, fingers or feet may result in the following: fast or noticeable heart beat pale skin colour at the site of accidental injection feeling of coldness at the site of accidental injection bruising or discolouration at the site of accidental injection bleeding If an accidental injection occurs at one of these areas, seek medical attention immediately. More severe side effects can occur occasionally. They are caused by adrenaline (epinephrine) stimulating the heart and increasing the blood pressure. Rarely, these side effects can cause, for example, a stroke, lung problems or severe irregular heartbeat. Adrenaline (epinephrine) may also cause disorientation and impaired memory. Sodium metabisulfite EpiPen contains a very small quantity of sodium metabisulfite as a preservative. In people who are allergic to sodium metabisulfite, this could cause, for example, severe asthma. However, the active ingredient, adrenaline (epinephrine), in EpiPen is expected to overcome any allergic reaction to sodium metabisulfite. In an emergency, the risk of exposure to the very small amount of sodium metabisulfite is generally outweighed by the benefits of EpiPen. Storing EpiPen before use Always handle the EpiPen Auto- Injector carefully, so as not to accidentally activate it or make it fire or work. Storage Keep EpiPen available with the person for whom it is intended. Keep EpiPen in a cool dry place below 25 C. Temperature excursions between 15 C to 25 C permitted. Do not place EpiPen in the fridge. Do not leave EpiPen in your car. Extreme temperatures may cause the auto-injector unit to malfunction. Protect EpiPen from light. Keep EpiPen in the protective carry tube until required. Do not store EpiPen or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a windowsill or in the car. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines. Keep EpiPen where children cannot accidentally reach it. After using EpiPen Disposal After the EpiPen Auto-Injector has fired or worked, the orange needle cover will extend to cover the exposed needle. After use, continue to handle the EpiPen Auto-Injector safely and with care. Do this even if you think the EpiPen Auto-Injector has not triggered, fired or worked properly. You CANNOT RE-USE the EpiPen Auto-Injector even though some adrenaline (epinephrine) is left inside it. After use, do not just throw away the EpiPen Auto-Injector. Do not tamper with the orange needle cover. Do not replace the blue safety release. The used auto-injector with extended needle cover will not fit back into the carry tube. Give your used EpiPen, to the doctor s office or to a hospital. This is for inspection, if required, and also for safe disposal. The used EpiPen, should be placed in a rigid sharps disposal unit. EpiPen 6
Product description Ingredients EpiPen delivers one x 0.3 ml dose of adrenaline (epinephrine). This EpiPen dose provides 300 µg of adrenaline (epinephrine). The EpiPen Auto-Injector holds 2 ml of adrenaline (epinephrine) 1:1,000 solution. The injection also contains small amounts of sodium chloride sodium metabisulfite hydrochloric acid. It does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes. The EpiPen Auto-Injector is packed in a protective plastic carry tube. This carry tube has a yellow cap. The carry tube is supplied in a cardboard pack. The Australian Registration Number is AUST R 42978. This is not all the information available on EpiPen. If you have any more questions or are unsure about anything, ask your doctor or Distributed in New Zealand by: Mylan NZ Ltd Auckland, New Zealand. Phone: 0800 168 169 Supplied by: DEY Pharma L.P., an affiliate of Mylan, Inc., Napa, CA 94558, USA. Produced for DEY Pharma L.P., Napa, CA, 94558 by Meridian Medical Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of King Pharmaceuticals Inc., Columbia, MD, 21046, USA. This leaflet was prepared in January 1998, and last amended in March 2011. EpiPen is a registered trademark of Mylan, Inc. Supplier EpiPen is distributed in Australia by: Alphapharm Pty Limited (ABN 93 002 359 739) Level 1, 30 The Bond 30-34 Hickson Road Millers Point NSW 2000 Phone: (02) 9298 3999 www.alphapharm.com.au Medical Information Phone: 1800 028 365 EpiPen 7